The New York Mets didn’t exactly come out of the gates blazing this offseason, and for a while, it looked like they might be sitting out the winter shuffle. But that narrative flipped fast. After weeks of relative quiet, the Mets shifted into high gear, landing a pair of major additions that signal they’re ready to rejoin the NL East arms race.
The headliner? Freddy Peralta.
The Mets finally secured the front-line starter they’ve been chasing, acquiring the All-Star right-hander from the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that also brought in Tobias Myers. In return, New York sent two of their top prospects-Brandon Sproat and Jett Williams-back to Milwaukee.
It’s a bold swing, no doubt. But it’s the kind of move that says the Mets aren’t just trying to compete-they’re trying to contend.
Peralta brings exactly what the Mets rotation needed: a high-upside, battle-tested arm with swing-and-miss stuff. He’s the kind of pitcher who can anchor a staff in October, and pairing him with the existing rotation gives New York a legitimate shot to go toe-to-toe with the Phillies and Braves. Myers, meanwhile, adds depth and upside, giving the Mets another arm who could contribute in meaningful innings this season.
But the Mets weren’t done.
After missing out on Kyle Tucker-who many believed was their top offensive target-New York pivoted quickly and landed another big name: Bo Bichette. The Mets inked the dynamic infielder to a three-year, $126 million deal, snatching him away from the Phillies, who were reportedly deep in the mix. That’s a double win for New York: they get a proven bat and weaken a division rival in the process.
Bichette’s arrival gives the Mets a versatile, high-contact hitter with postseason experience and a track record of production. He’s the kind of player who can change the tenor of a lineup-not just with his bat, but with his energy. And in a division as competitive as the NL East, that kind of presence matters.
Even with those splashy moves, the Mets kept working the margins. On Sunday, they claimed catcher Ben Rortvedt off waivers from the Dodgers and added him to the 40-man roster. To make room, right-hander Dedniel Núñez was moved to the 60-day injured list.
Rortvedt isn’t expected to be the everyday guy behind the plate-that job still belongs to Francisco Álvarez. But after Álvarez’s up-and-down 2025 campaign, Rortvedt gives the Mets a reliable backup option with World Series experience. He’s a solid insurance policy, and in a long season, depth at catcher can quietly become a difference-maker.
After last year’s collapse and a missed playoff berth, the Mets are clearly trying to turn the page. These moves aren’t just about filling holes-they’re about sending a message. This team wants to win now, and they’re building a roster that can compete with the best in the National League.
Spring Training is underway, but the Mets might not be done yet. Whether they stand pat or keep adding, one thing is clear: New York is back in the mix, and they’re not settling for second place.